Last Updated on November 8, 2024 by Katrina
Often called the “cradle of the Renaissance,” Florence is a crash course in Italian history and art. See Michelangelo’s David at the Accademia Gallery or Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus at the Uffizi Gallery. Indeed, the whole city center of Florence is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Staying in Florence offers ample opportunities to surround yourself with history and beauty as you sleep, too. Some of the best hotels are even in centuries-old palazzos that have been enhanced with modern amenities. Here are the best luxury hotels in Florence.
The St. Regis Florence (Piazza Ognissanti; 39-390-552-7161) Santa Maria Novella
Housed in a 15th-century palazzo along the Arno River, the St. Regis is “grand,” writes Travel+Leisure. The 99 rooms and suites feature “jewel-toned textiles, plush headboards, rococo mirrors and chandeliers, and countless other ultra-Italian touches.” Walk to the train station and a variety of restaurants and luxury boutiques. Or just soak up the views from the hotel—many rooms have river views. “The decor will make you feel like a king or a queen,” says one Google reviewer, while another says, “we enjoyed time each morning and evening sitting with coffee taking in the view.” >> Book this hotel for less
Hotel Savoy (Piazza della Repubblica; 39-055-27351) District 1
Condé Nast Traveler says that “a drink on the terrace of the Hotel Savoy, overlooking the vintage carousel in the Piazza della Repubblica, has long been a signature Florence experience.” Stay in this hotel housed in 19th century stone building, the magazine adds, and you can also enjoy the elegantly “residential-style” rooms with “shelves lined with books and flea market-sourced objets, interactive TVs, and top-of-the-line bedding.” One Google reviewer loves the “wonderful location, perfectly appointed rooms, and the best terrace in Florence … for breakfast, lunch, dinner or even a heavenly well-stirred cocktail.” >> Book this hotel for less
Palazzo Vecchietti (Via degli Strozzi; 39-055-230-2802) District 1
While many hotels in Florence embrace their Old World roots through ornate decor, this 14-room hotel in a 16th century palazzo “eschews overwrought drama in favor of classic, understated, decor,” writes Afar, and “creates an oasis of calm in the very heart of one of the busiest tourist centers of Europe.” Walk to the shops of Via de’ Tornabuoni, considered the Fifth Avenue of Florence, or enjoy the hotel’s homey touches like in-room kitchenettes and a breakfast buffet. “The staff made us feel not like clients, but like friends staying in their home,” says a Tripadvisor user. “Easily the best hotel experience my family has ever had.” >> Book this hotel for less
Portrait Firenze (Lungarno degli Acciaiuoli; 39-055-2726-8000) District 1
The 37-room boutique hotel—part of the Lungarno collection owned by the Ferragamo family—sits next to Ponte Vecchio and “oozes with style” writes Travel+Leisure, “channeling the likes of Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly”’ with “vintage photographs, glamorous furnishings and grand marble bathrooms.” The location, says one Tripadvisor user, is “within walking distance to almost everything you will want to see in Florence. I loved all the artwork and other designer finishes throughout our suite, which made us feel at home for the week instead of in a boring hotel with zero character.” >> Book this hotel for less
Four Seasons Hotel Firenze (Borgo Pinti; 39-055-26261) San Marco
History is only part of the appeal of this 116-room Four Seasons set inside a 16th century palazzo. Afar loves it because it’s “surrounded by 11 manicured acres of gardens—their hidden pathways, serene pools, and ancient trees are made for romantic promenades and hours curled up with a book.” Plus, “the elegant terrace [restaurants] buzz at all hours with a who’s-who of Florentine clientele.” A Tripadvisor user calls it a “a bit outside the city center,” but “the grounds and pool are spectacular. My [standard] room was extremely spacious, especially by European standards, but I’d pay more for a garden view if I returned.” >> Book this hotel for less
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